A major incident room has been set up at Kirkintilloch Police Office and detectives said they are "following a number of lines of inquiry".

Extra police patrols are being carried out in the area to reassure local residents and officers are appealing for information.

The suspect is in his mid 40s, around 6ft, of heavy build. He was wearing a yellow high-visibility jacket with the hood pulled up and was carrying a silver hand gun.

A burnt out grey Volkswagen Golf was also found in Wood Lane, close to the shooting, and police believe it was involved.

Chief Inspector Craig Smith said, "Understandably, the local community is very concerned about such a violent incident occurring mid-afternoon in a busy residential area of Bishopbriggs, close to a local school.

"I have officers carrying out high-visibility patrols, engaging with the public to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to establish who is responsible for this incident.

An officer stands by the gutted getaway car (Image: Garry F McHarg)

"Detectives are carrying out door-to-door inquiries and are currently gathering CCTV footage for review, and are following a number of lines of inquiry."

Several streets in the area have been cordoned off by officers and a police helicopter has also been at the scene.

Detective Inspector Greig Wilkie said: "I would appeal to anyone in the area of Dornoch Place at this time and could have seen anything suspicious to come forward and help with our inquiry.

"A grey Volkswagen Golf was also recovered burnt out in the area of Wood Lane which is a short distance away and this vehicle is suspected to be involved. I would appeal for anyone who has seen a vehicle of that description near to the incident or where it was recovered to contact the police urgently."